Let’s Differentiate between Information and Knowledge: What do you Need?

Many a times we do not differentiate between information and knowledge, we use them as synonymous. Do you think them to be one and the same? If no, what is the difference between them? Does it make any difference? What is more important information or knowledge? This difference is more important to all, especially to students. There was a time when these two terms where having more or less same meaning. Our education system, since many years has been focusing on information, success as student in terms of marks or grade, depend on availability of information about the subject. Classroom learning and examination pattern were also more information focused. But with changing environment, we have realized that what is more important is knowledge and not information. Knowledge is nothing but ability to process, interlink, interconnect and use the information in more meaningful and useful manner. Information is not productive unless used at right time, by right people, for right purpose. In earlier days, before advancement of information technology, information was not equally accessible to all. Those which access to information were more knowledgeable, because information is base for knowledge. But developments of internet have made information accessible to all at time, free of cost and without any discrimination on the bases of gender, caste, creed, nationality, and socio economic status. Those who have know how to use these information have achieved success in their life, while those who still concentrate on gathering information are struggling for life, joining the pool of educated unemployed. So it’s time to change the mindset from accumulating information to accumulating knowledge. Don’t focus on information available at various sources, but focus on how this information can be converted into knowledge.

Author:
Dr. Kishor Bhanushali, Director – Academic Administration, Unitedworld School of Business (UWSB)

Disclaimer: The opinions / views expressed in this article are solely of the author in his / her individual capacity. They do not purport to reflect the opinions and/or views of the College and/or University or its members.